Montana Eggs LLC has opened a new $9 million, 58,000 square-foot egg grading facility.
The new operation, located in Great Falls, Montana, will process more than 280 million eggs annually from a supply of 1.2 million chickens. The Great Falls Montana Development Authority recognized Montana Eggs' contribution to the region at a grand opening event held on September 11.
"The demand for Montana-grown free-range organic eggs is expected to double over the next few years and this facility will help us meet the demand," said Mike Kleinsasser, secretary-treasurer of Montana Eggs.
The facility is owned by a partnership of 30 Hutterite colonies that make up Montana Eggs. For over 70 years, the colonies have been setting new trends in Montana agriculture, driving the dairy industry and producing 98 percent of Montana's eggs.
"Montana Eggs' expansion has the potential to draw in more than $13 million for the state's economy," said Jolene Schalper, vice president, Great Falls Montana Development Authority. "Companies from around the world are realizing the potential of our region's strong workforce and the large number of agricultural products we can process."
The new Montana Eggs facility will bring 20 new jobs to the region. Eggs are expected to begin shipping from the site this fall.
Beginning operations in 2011, Montana Eggs LLC is a cooperative of 30 Hutterite colonies in the Great Falls region of Montana, producing eggs and currently transitioning to a completely cage-free nesting system.
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